Genetic testing for cardiovascular disorders is rapidly changing. Recent advancements in technology with next-generation sequencing and the ability to sequence more for less has provided more efficient and cost-effective patient care.
Linnea Baudhuin, Ph.D., FACMG, Co-Director of the Personalized Genomics Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, discusses the testing categories available at Mayo Medical Laboratories, the advantages of sending your testing to us, and where the future of cardiovascular genetic testing is headed.
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited condition that results in elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). FH is associated with premature cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and treatment help to mitigate these risks.
We are the first clinical laboratory to offer postmortem genetic tests for inheritable cardiovascular disorders on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue as a preferred sample type. This test can provide answers for cause of death and give families the answers they are looking for in cases pertaining to sudden cardiac death or unexplained death.